Keltbray christen their new Komatsu PC750LC high reach demolition excavator
08/09/2004

Keltbray Limited, the demolition and specialist construction services group, recently used the new addition to their excavator fleet at the Quartermile development on the site of the old Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. The 75 tonne High Reach PC750LC from Komatsu was fitted with a 40 metre long reach boom which allowed the demolition experts to break down the buildings floor by floor with minimum noise, dust and inconvenience to the neighbours.

The demolition work is in preparation for Quartermile, a new quarter for Edinburgh including housing and commercial space, a hotel, restaurants and cafes. Within the scope of the project Keltbray are also carrying out an asbestos removal package using a less hazardous method that includes a wet sandblasting system of removal and disposal.

The project is complex and challenging for the Keltbray team as some of the 150 year old Grade A & B listed buildings are being revitalised and the site is surrounded by a variety of other buildings. These include the Central Receiving and Processing Unit for the Blood Transfusion Service, accommodation for hospital staff who work shifts and several local schools whose students have been taking examinations.

Therefore the minimisation of dust, noise and disruption to local residents has been a key priority for the Keltbray team and the PC750LC has come into its own, especially during the demolition of the Florence Nightingale Nursing Home. With the High Reach boom attachment, the PC750LC was able to reach the upper floors of the building and break down the walls and floors and push the debris into the lift shafts. Keltbray then used their PC 450’s and PC210’s to clear the rubble from the ground floor. The PC 750LC is an exceptionally quiet machine and by using a combination of the floor by floor demolition method including full encapsulation, and a continuous supply of water, dust and noise was kept to the bare minimum.

The PC750LC has been specially designed and manufactured for demolition projects. The Quick Connect System allows the machine to be used in many different arrangements and the quick change hydraulic system minimises down time. The undercarriage has a power assisted track-frame extension for easier transportation and adds to the robust foundation needed for severe environments. The operator cab can be tilted from 0-30 degrees giving safe and practical visibility for the driver. With a Revolving Frame, the stress levels, which are far more arduous in demolition applications, are similar to those of the standard excavator, which in turn means greater durability for the PC750LC.

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